Wildcats boys run record to 2-0

By Brian king
The Press-NewsPublished: December 12, 2012 10:00AM

The Canton South boys basketball season, under first year head coach Frank Spotleson, ran its overall record to 2-0 on Friday night when they took down the Marlington Dukes by the final score of 64-49 in the Cats home opener at Red Ash Gymnasium.

"We played a very good defensive game. We tried to have a hand up on all their shots and make them work hard on all their opportunities," said Spotleson on his teams effort.

The Cats got off to a fast start taking a 12-7 lead at the end of the first quarter and kept the pedal down the remainder of the night. South stretched its lead to double digits at the intermission by the count of 32-19 and continued to tack it on in the third quarter. Entering quarter number four, Canton South held a 50-35 lead and the Cats would not let that lead dwindle.

"There are still a lot of things to work on before our next game. One of our goals this year is to get better everyday, which leads us to work on the things we need to improve. Things like rebounding and executing our offense will be our main keys for the near future," added Spotleson on his areas that the Wildcats need to improve.

Spotleson and the Cats downed the Dukes by the final count of 64-49 to record his first ever Northeastern Buckeye Conference game.

Leading the way for the Cats was senior Jason Merriweather, who poured in 17 points for the winners, including three three-point field goals. Also filling the stat sheet was Armand Fontes and Trey Taylor with 11, Kyle Deckard added seven, Dejon Newell tallied five, Gunnar Tharp chipped in with three and Josh Lyon carded two.

"The veteran players are really playing well, but a player who has stepped up for us is Merriweather," said Spotletson. "He accepted a role off the bench this year and he is a real exciting player with a lot of ability. When a particular game's leading scorer comes off your bench that is a great asset to your team."

The victory sends the Cats overall record to 2-0 and 1-0 in the NBC. The boys were back in action on Dec. 11 when they traveled to Northwest High School for a non-conference bout. The Cats will return home on Friday, Dec. 14 when they host NBC rival Minerva. Tip-off will be at 6 p.m.